Career Timeline of Nikki Haley: Major Achievements and Milestones
How Nikki Haley built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Nikki Haley is an American politician and diplomat. She served as the 116th governor of South Carolina from 2011 to 2017 and as the 29th U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 2017 to 2018. As a Republican, she is the first Indian American to serve in a presidential cabinet. Notably, she was a candidate in the 2024 Republican Party presidential primaries, marking her continued involvement in national politics.
1969: Ajit Randhawa Becomes Professor
In 1969, Ajit Randhawa began his career as a professor at Voorhees College after graduating.
1998: Appointment to Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce Board
In 1998, Nikki Haley was named to the board of directors of the Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce, marking her entry into civic leadership.
2003: Appointment to Lexington Chamber of Commerce Board
In 2003, Nikki Haley was named to the board of directors of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce.
2004: President of the National Association of Women Business Owners
In 2004, Nikki Haley became the president of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
2004: Campaign for South Carolina House of Representatives
In 2004, Nikki Haley ran for the South Carolina House of Representatives, initiating her political career.
2005: Freshman Caucus Chair
In 2005, Nikki Haley served on the Freshman Caucus as chair.
2005: Election as Chair and Majority Whip
In 2005, Nikki Haley was elected chair of the freshman caucus and majority whip in the South Carolina General Assembly.
2006: Chair for Friends of Scouting Leadership Division Campaign
In 2006, Nikki Haley chaired the Friends of Scouting Leadership Division campaign, showcasing her community involvement.
2006: Re-election to South Carolina House of Representatives
In 2006, Nikki Haley was unopposed for re-election to a second term in the South Carolina House of Representatives.
2007: Women's Caucus Vice Chair
In 2007, Nikki Haley served as the vice chair of the Women's Caucus.
2008: Re-election to South Carolina House of Representatives
In 2008, Nikki Haley won re-election to the South Carolina House of Representatives with 83 percent of the vote.
May 14, 2009: Announcement of Gubernatorial Candidacy
On May 14, 2009, Nikki Haley announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for governor of South Carolina in the 2010 election.
2009: Haley Supports Boeing Incentive Package
In 2009, Nikki Haley supported an economic development package valued at up to $900 million to incentivize Boeing to relocate the 787 Dreamliner production facility to North Charleston.
June 8, 2010: Republican Gubernatorial Primary
On June 8, 2010, Nikki Haley received 49% of the vote in the Republican gubernatorial primary, forcing a runoff election.
November 2, 2010: Election as Governor of South Carolina
On November 2, 2010, Nikki Haley was elected governor of South Carolina, defeating Vincent Sheheen.
2010: Election as Governor of South Carolina
In 2010, Nikki Haley was elected governor of South Carolina, making her the state's first female governor and the second U.S. governor of Indian descent.
2010: Republican Nomination for governor of South Carolina
In 2010, Nikki Haley was the Republican Nomination for governor of South Carolina after running in the 2010 election.
2010: Gubernatorial Race
In 2010, Vincent Sheheen of the Democratic Party ran against Haley.
January 2011: Inauguration as Governor
In January 2011, Nikki Haley took office as governor of South Carolina.
2011: Governorship of South Carolina
In 2011, Nikki Haley became the 116th governor of South Carolina, marking a milestone in her political career.
2011: Start of Haley's gubernatorial term
In 2011, Nikki Haley began her term as governor, during which she vetoed 50 bills, with 24 of them being overridden by the state legislature.
December 17, 2012: Appointment of Tim Scott
On December 17, 2012, Nikki Haley appointed Tim Scott to the U.S. Senate, making him the first African American U.S. senator from South Carolina.
2012: Haley Appointed Tim Scott to the U.S. Senate
In 2012, Haley appointed Tim Scott to the U.S. Senate.
2012: Consideration for Vice Presidential Running Mate
In 2012, Mitt Romney considered Nikki Haley as his vice-presidential running mate; however, Haley declined any potential offer.
August 12, 2013: Announcement of Re-election Campaign
On August 12, 2013, Nikki Haley announced her campaign to seek a second term as governor.
November 4, 2014: Re-election as Governor of South Carolina
On November 4, 2014, Nikki Haley was re-elected as governor of South Carolina, defeating Vincent Sheheen.
July 2015: Haley signs bill to remove Confederate flag
In July 2015, Nikki Haley signed a bill authorizing the removal of the Confederate flag from the South Carolina Capitol grounds.
January 12, 2016: Republican Response to State of the Union Address
On January 12, 2016, Nikki Haley delivered the official Republican response to President Barack Obama's State of the Union Address.
January 2016: Potential Vice Presidential Candidate
In January 2016, Nikki Haley was mentioned as a potential candidate for vice presidency in the 2016 presidential election.
April 2016: Haley opposes anti-transgender "bathroom bill"
In April 2016, Nikki Haley opposed an anti-transgender "bathroom bill" in South Carolina, deeming it unnecessary and unlikely to solve any state problems.
May 4, 2016: Rejection of Vice Presidential Nomination
On May 4, 2016, Nikki Haley stated she had no interest in the vice presidential nomination after Trump became the presumptive presidential nominee.
October 2016: Haley Endorses Trump for President
In October 2016, Nikki Haley said she would vote for Trump and endorsed him as the best person based on policies, despite acknowledging she was "not a fan" of his.
November 23, 2016: Trump nominates Haley for UN Ambassador
On November 23, 2016, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Nikki Haley as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
2016: Haley Supports Marco Rubio in Republican Primaries
During the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, Nikki Haley supported and campaigned for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio of Florida and later supported Ted Cruz after Rubio dropped out.
2016: Trump Nominates Haley as U.N. Ambassador
In January 2017, after being elected president of the United States in 2016, Donald Trump nominated Nikki Haley to the post of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
January 2017: Appointment as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
In January 2017, Nikki Haley became the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations under the Trump administration.
January 2017: Trump Nominates Haley as U.N. Ambassador
In January 2017, after being elected president of the United States in 2016, Donald Trump nominated Nikki Haley to the post of U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
January 20, 2017: Haley's nomination sent to Senate
On January 20, 2017, after taking office, President Trump sent Nikki Haley's nomination for UN Ambassador to the United States Senate.
January 24, 2017: Resignation as Governor
On January 24, 2017, Nikki Haley resigned as governor of South Carolina to serve as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.
January 25, 2017: Haley sworn in as UN Ambassador
On January 25, 2017, Nikki Haley was officially sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations by Vice President Mike Pence.
January 27, 2017: Haley meets with UN Secretary-General
On January 27, 2017, Nikki Haley met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres at the UN Headquarters in New York City, succeeding Ambassador Samantha Power.
March 15, 2017: Haley says she wouldn't support a Muslim ban
On March 15, 2017, Nikki Haley stated that she would not support a ban on Muslim immigration to the U.S., should President Trump choose to enact one, arguing it would be "un-American."
March 30, 2017: Haley states US will no longer focus on Assad leaving power
On March 30, 2017, Nikki Haley stated that the U.S. would no longer focus on forcing Syrian president Bashar al-Assad to leave power, marking a policy shift from the Obama administration.
April 2017: Haley speaks out against persecution of gay men in Chechnya
In April 2017, Nikki Haley spoke out against Ramzan Kadyrov amid the murders and persecution of gay men in Chechnya, emphasizing that such human rights violations could not be ignored.
April 2017: Haley accuses Iran and Hezbollah of terrorist acts
In April 2017, during her first session as president of the UN Security Council, Nikki Haley accused Iran and Hezbollah of having "conducted terrorist acts" for decades within the Middle East.
May 14, 2017: Haley comments on North Korea's missile test
On May 14, 2017, after North Korea performed a ballistic missile test, Nikki Haley said that Kim Jong-un was "in a state of paranoia" after feeling pressure from the U.S.
June 2, 2017: Haley comments on UN Security Council sanctions on North Korea
On June 2, 2017, after the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution adding fifteen North Koreans and four entities linked to North Korea's nuclear and missile programs to a sanctions blacklist, Nikki Haley said the council's vote was "sending a clear message to North Korea today: Stop firing ballistic missiles or face the consequences"
June 2017: Haley violates the Hatch Act
In June 2017, Nikki Haley violated the Hatch Act by retweeting Trump's endorsement of Ralph Norman.
July 5, 2017: Haley announces US resolution regarding North Korea
On July 5, 2017, during a U.N. Security Council meeting, Nikki Haley announced the US would within days "bring before the Security Council a resolution that raises the international response in a way that is proportionate to North Korea's new escalation" after North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile.
July 2017: Haley responds to UNESCO vote on Hebron
In July 2017, after UNESCO voted to designate Hebron's Old City and the Cave of the Patriarchs as Palestinian territory, Nikki Haley called the decision "tragic on several levels."
September 2017: Haley expresses concern over Rohingya atrocities in Myanmar
In September 2017, Nikki Haley said that her government was "deeply troubled" by reports of atrocities against Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.
October 2017: US votes against UN resolution condemning death penalty
In October 2017, the U.S., along with 13 other nations, voted against a U.N. Human Rights Council resolution that condemned the use of capital punishment when "applied arbitrarily or in a discriminatory manner".
October 2017: Haley reprimanded for Hatch Act violation
In October 2017, the federal Office of Special Counsel determined that Nikki Haley had violated the federal Hatch Act in June 2017 by retweeting Trump's endorsement of Ralph Norman.
December 2017: Haley comments on Trump's accusers
In December 2017, Nikki Haley stated that the women who had accused President Trump of touching or groping them without their consent "should be heard, and should be dealt with".
December 2017: Haley warns UN members on Jerusalem vote
In December 2017, Nikki Haley warned UN members that she would be "taking names" of countries that voted to reject Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and move the U.S. embassy there.
2017: Boeing Board Member Earnings
As of 2017, Boeing board members earn at least $315,000 a year.
2017: End of Haley's gubernatorial term
In 2017, Nikki Haley's term as governor ended, a term in which she vetoed 50 bills, with 24 of them being overridden by the state legislature.
2017: Haley Meets with Caitlyn Jenner at UN
In 2017, while serving as US ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley met with Caitlyn Jenner to discuss "global LGBT issues".
June 19, 2018: US pulls out of UN Human Rights Council
On June 19, 2018, Nikki Haley and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the U.S. was pulling out of the United Nations Human Rights Council, citing its "hypocritical and self-serving" nature and "chronic anti-Israel bias."
October 9, 2018: Haley Resigns as U.N. Ambassador
On October 9, 2018, Nikki Haley resigned from her position as U.N. ambassador, effective December 31, 2018. Trump praised her and suggested she might rejoin the administration later. Haley stated that she was stepping aside to allow someone else to do the job.
December 2018: Departure from the U.N. Ambassadorship
In December 2018, Nikki Haley concluded her tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, ending her service in the Trump administration.
2018: Defense of Trump adminstration's withdrawal of the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal
In 2018, as U.S. ambassador, a defining aspect of Nikki Haley's tenure included her defense of the Trump administration's withdrawal of the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal.
December 31, 2018: Resignation as U.N. Ambassador
On December 31, 2018, Nikki Haley stepped down from her position as the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
February 2019: Haley Nominated to Boeing's Board of Directors
In February 2019, Nikki Haley was nominated to the board of directors of Boeing.
April 2019: Haley Elected to Boeing's Board of Directors
In April 2019, Nikki Haley was elected to the board of directors of Boeing at the annual shareholder meeting.
August 2019: Trump Denies Rumors of Replacing Pence with Haley
In August 2019, Trump denied rumors that he had sought to replace Vice President Mike Pence with Nikki Haley as his running mate in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
December 2019: Haley defends South Carolina residents regarding Confederate flag views
In December 2019, Nikki Haley defended South Carolina residents who viewed the Confederate flag as a symbol of "service and sacrifice and heritage" before it was "hijacked" by Dylann Roof.
2019: Haley Creates Stand for America Advocacy Group
In 2019, Nikki Haley created a new advocacy group called Stand for America. The group raised $71 million in 2019 from several billionaires and well-known Republican Party mega-donors.
March 2020: Haley Resigns from Boeing's Board of Directors
In March 2020, Nikki Haley resigned from Boeing's board of directors, citing her disagreement with the company's decision to request federal bailout funds during the COVID-19 pandemic.
2020: Trump Denies Rumors of Replacing Pence with Haley
In August 2019, Trump denied rumors that he had sought to replace Vice President Mike Pence with Nikki Haley as his running mate in the 2020 U.S. presidential election.
October 2021: Haley Selected for Clemson University Board of Trustees
In October 2021, Nikki Haley was selected to replace David Wilkins for a lifetime position on the Clemson University Board of Trustees.
2021: Haley speaks against Executive Order 13988
In 2021, Nikki Haley spoke against Executive Order 13988, which was related to preventing discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.
2021: Haley Creates PAC for Midterm Elections
In early 2021, Nikki Haley created a PAC to endorse and support candidates in the 2022 midterm elections and hired Betsy Ankney as the executive director.
July 2022: Haley Hints at 2024 Presidential Run
In July 2022, Nikki Haley hinted at a potential run for the 2024 United States presidential election during her speech at the Christians United for Israel summit, asserting her readiness to "shred" any potential Iran nuclear deal on her first day in office.
2022: Haley's PAC and the 2022 Midterm Elections
In early 2021, Nikki Haley created a PAC to endorse and support candidates in the 2022 midterm elections and hired Betsy Ankney as the executive director.
February 14, 2023: Haley Announces Candidacy for 2024 Republican Nomination
On February 14, 2023, Nikki Haley formally announced her candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, becoming the second major candidate to enter the race after Trump.
February 2023: Announcement of Presidential Campaign
In February 2023, Nikki Haley announced her campaign for President of the United States.
September 2023: Haley Comments on Supporting Republican Nominee
In a September 2023 appearance on Face the Nation, Nikki Haley said that she would "always" support the Republican presidential nominee but added that Americans "are not going to vote for a convicted criminal."
November 2023: Haley Receives Endorsement from Americans for Prosperity Action
In November 2023, Nikki Haley received the endorsement of Americans for Prosperity Action, an organization connected to the Koch network, solidifying her position in the race.
January 15, 2024: Haley Finishes Third in Iowa Caucuses
On January 15, 2024, Nikki Haley finished in third place in the Iowa caucuses with 19% of the vote, behind Trump with 51% and DeSantis with 21%.
January 2024: Haley Polls Within Single Digits of Trump in New Hampshire
In early January 2024, CNN reported that Nikki Haley had polled within single digits of Trump (at 32%, to Trump's 39%) in New Hampshire.
February 24, 2024: Haley Loses South Carolina Primary
On February 24, 2024, Nikki Haley lost the primary in her home state of South Carolina 59.8% - 39.5%.
March 2, 2024: Haley Wins District of Columbia Republican Primary
On March 2, 2024, Nikki Haley won her first primary, taking the District of Columbia Republican primary with 62% of the vote.
March 6, 2024: Suspension of Presidential Campaign
On March 6, 2024, Nikki Haley suspended her campaign for President of the United States after Super Tuesday.
March 2024: Haley Hints at Not Endorsing Trump
In March 2024, Haley hinted that she may not endorse Trump and asserted that she may no longer be bound by her pledge to support the eventual Republican nominee.
April 15, 2024: Haley Joins Hudson Institute as Walter P. Stern Chair
On April 15, 2024, it was announced that Nikki Haley would join the Hudson Institute, a conservative think-tank, as the next Walter P. Stern Chair, expressing her enthusiasm for defending American principles through the group's work.
May 22, 2024: Haley Announces She Will Vote for Trump
On May 22, 2024, Nikki Haley stated that she would vote for Donald Trump.
September 2024: Haley Joins Edelman as Vice Chair
In September 2024, Nikki Haley joined Edelman, a global communications firm, as vice chair of its international public affairs team.
2024: Republican Party Presidential Primaries
In 2024, Nikki Haley was a candidate in the Republican Party presidential primaries.
2024: Haley Hints at 2024 Presidential Run
In July 2022, Nikki Haley hinted at a potential run for the 2024 United States presidential election during her speech at the Christians United for Israel summit, asserting her readiness to "shred" any potential Iran nuclear deal on her first day in office.
2024: Haley Announces Candidacy for 2024 Republican Nomination
On February 14, 2023, Nikki Haley formally announced her candidacy for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, becoming the second major candidate to enter the race after Trump.
